Internet service provider callback for satellite systems

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box, wherein the set top box is configured to receive broadcast signals through a tuner; and enable a presentation device connected to the set top box to display the broadcast signals; automatically obtaining a connection to the Internet or a data paging network using a communication module of the set top box without the user requesting the connection, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; establishing a secure electronic connection with a server through the connection to the Internet or data paging network; and transmitting the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods fordelivering information, and in particular to a system and method fordelivering e-commerce and pay-TV programming purchase information from aset top box to a pay-TV service provider across the Internet.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Television programs are distributed to viewers by a variety ofbroadcasting methods. These methods include traditional analog broadcasttelevision (National Television Systems Committee or “NTSC” standard),the digital broadcast television (Advanced Television Systems Committeeor “ATSC” standard), cable television (both analog and digital),satellite broadcasting (both analog and digital), as well as othermethods. These methods allow channels of television content to bemultiplexed and transmitted over a common transmission medium.

[0005] To view a television program, a customer may have to subscribe toa service package offered by a pay-TV service/transmission provider(also referred to as a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) operator) suchas a satellite transmitter (e.g., DIRECTV) or a cable company. Such apay-TV service provider may require a user to utilize a set-top box(STB), receiver, or integrated receiver decoder (IRD) that enables thedescrambling or decryption of the transmission. The set-top box may beconfigured to allow the viewing of one or more particular channels,programs, etc. based on a customer's payment or subscription.Accordingly, when a customer subscribes to a service package, the pay-TVservice provider enables the set-top box to allow the customer to viewthe transmissions in the selected package.

[0006] Additionally, customers may desire to view a particular channelor program. To accommodate such customers, transmission providers mayprovide impulse pay-per-view (IPPV) programs or channels wherein acustomer may pay for a particular channel or program. A customer mayselect a particular pay-per-view program or channel using a remotecontrol that communicates with the set-top box. Once the pay-per-viewprogram has been selected, information regarding the selected pay-perview program is stored by the set top box (e.g., in memory or a smartcard) until the set top box transmits (in a callback transaction) thepurchase information to the pay-TV service provider. Once the callbackis initiated, the purchase information is transmitted through a modemattached to the set top box by dialing a costly toll free phone numberdirect to the pay-TV service provider's facility. Thus, the use of atoll free phone number is costly to a pay-TV service provider andrequires extensive on-site infrastructure.

[0007] Additionally, subscriber renewal notices are used by a set topbox. In the prior art, such renewal notices are broadcast by satelliteand received in the set top box on a monthly basis. Accordingly,valuable satellite bandwidth is occupied every month for the subscriberrenewal notices.

[0008] What is needed is a method for efficiently and automaticallydelivering purchase information relating to a pay per view program ore-commerce transaction without having to call a costly toll free phonenumber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To address the requirements described above, the presentinvention discloses a method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and amemory structure for delivering electronic commerce (e-commerce) andimpulse pay per view (IPPV) information from a satellite set top box(STB) to a pay-TV service provider such as a DBS operator facility usingan Internet Service Provider (ISP), Internet, and Internet server or adata paging network. Purchase information is delivered from the STB thatresides on the subscriber's premises to the satellite operator by meansof a callback operation using a communication module (e.g., an onboardmodem).

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the STB initiatesthe callback utilizing the telecommunications infrastructure of an ISPor data paging network to deliver the purchase information to a serverat the pay-TV service provider's facility and also enables the receiptof pay-TV service provider facility data such as subscriber renewalnotices. The server forwards the purchase information to a billingsystem where it may be processed and incorporated into a subscriber'sbill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbersrepresent corresponding parts throughout:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a video distributionsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a typical uplink configurationshowing how video program material is uplinked to a satellite fortransmission to subscribers using a single transponder in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 3A is a diagram of a representative data stream received froma satellite in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the structure of a data packetin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a receiver; and

[0017]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an Internet Service Providercallback performed in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the following description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, byway of illustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Video Distribution System

[0019]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a single satellitevideo distribution system 100. The video distribution system 100comprises a control center 102 in communication with an uplink center104 via a ground or other link 114 and with a subscriber receiverstation 110 via the Internet 120, a public switched telephone network(PSTN), or other link. The control center 102 provides program material(e.g. video programs, audio programs and data) to the uplink center 104and coordinates with the subscriber receiver stations 110 to offer, forexample, pay-per-view (PPV) program services, including billing andassociated decryption of video programs.

[0020] The uplink center 104 receives program material and programcontrol information from the control center 102, and using an uplinkantenna 106 and transmitter 105, transmits the program material andprogram control information to the satellite 108. The satellite receivesand processes this information, and transmits the video programs andcontrol information to the subscriber receiver station 110 via downlink118 using transmitter 107. The subscriber receiving station 110 receivesthis information using the outdoor unit (ODU) 112, which includes asubscriber antenna and a low noise block converter (LNB).

[0021] In one embodiment, the subscriber receiving station antenna is an18-inch slightly oval-shaped Ku-band antenna. The slight oval shape isdue to the 22.5 degree offset feed of the LNB that is used to receivesignals reflected from the subscriber antenna. The offset feed positionsthe LNB out of the way so it does not block any surface area of theantenna minimizing attenuation of the incoming microwave signal.

[0022] The video distribution system 100 can comprise a plurality ofsatellites 108 in order to provide wider terrestrial coverage, toprovide additional channels, or to provide additional bandwidth perchannel. In one embodiment of the invention, each satellite comprises 16transponders to receive and transmit program material and other controldata from the uplink center 104 and provide it to the subscriberreceiving stations 110. Using data compression and multiplexingtechniques the channel capabilities, two satellites 108 working togethercan receive and broadcast over 150 conventional (non-HDTV) audio andvideo channels via 32 transponders.

[0023] While the invention disclosed herein will be described withreference to a satellite based video distribution system 100, thepresent invention may also be practiced with terrestrial-basedtransmission of program information, whether by broadcasting, cable, orother methods. Further, the different functions collectively allocatedamong the control center 102 and the uplink center 104 as describedabove can be reallocated as desired without departing from the intendedscope of the present invention.

[0024] Although the foregoing has been described with respect to anembodiment in which the information delivered to the subscriber/customer122 is video (and audio) material such as a movie, the foregoing methodcan be used to deliver program material comprising purely audioinformation or other data as well.

Unlink Configuration

[0025]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a typical uplink configurationfor a single satellite 108 transponder, showing how video programmaterial is uplinked to the satellite 108 by the control center 102 andthe uplink center 104. FIG. 2 shows three video channels (which could beaugmented respectively with one or more audio channels for high fidelitymusic, soundtrack information, or a secondary audio program fortransmitting foreign languages), and a data channel from a program guidesubsystem 206 and computer data information from a computer data source208.

[0026] The video channels are provided by a program source of videomaterial 200A-200C (collectively referred to hereinafter as videosource(s) 200). The data from each video program source 200 is providedto an encoder 202A-202C (collectively referred to hereinafter asencoder(s) 202). Each of the encoders accepts a program time stamp (PTS)from the controller 216. The PTS is a wrap-around binary time stamp thatis used to assure that the video information is properly synchronizedwith the audio information after encoding and decoding. A PTS time stampis sent with each I-frame of the MPEG encoded data.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, each encoder 202 is asecond generation Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-2) encoder, butother decoders implementing other coding techniques can be used as well.The data channel can be subjected to a similar compression scheme by anencoder (not shown), but such compression is usually either unnecessary,or performed by computer programs in the computer data source (forexample, photographic data is typically compressed into *.TIF files or*.JPG files before transmission). After encoding by the encoders 202,the signals are converted into data packets by a packetizer 204A-204F(collectively referred to hereinafter as packetizer(s) 204) associatedwith each source 200.

[0028] The data packets are assembled using a reference from the systemclock 214 (SCR), and from the conditional access manager 210, whichprovides the service channel identification (SCID) to the packetizers204 for use in generating the data packets. These data packets (alsoreferred to as signals) are then multiplexed into serial data andtransmitted/broadcast.

Broadcast Data Stream Format and Protocol

[0029]FIG. 3A is a diagram of a representative data stream. The firstpacket segment 302 comprises information from video channel 1 (datacoming from, for example, the first video program source 200A). The nextpacket segment 304 comprises computer data information that wasobtained, for example from the computer data source 208. The next packetsegment 306 comprises information from video channel 5 (from one of thevideo program sources 200). The next packet segment 308 comprisesprogram guide information such as the information provided by theprogram guide subsystem 206. As shown in FIG. 3A, null packets 310created by the null packet module 212 may be inserted into the datastream as desired.

[0030] The data stream therefore comprises a series of packets from anyone of the data sources in an order determined by the controller 216.The data stream is encrypted by the encryption module 218, modulated bythe modulator 220 (typically using a QPSK modulation scheme), andprovided to the transmitter 222, which broadcasts the modulated datastream on a frequency bandwidth to the satellite 108 via the antenna106. The receiver receives these signals, and using the SCID,reassembles the packets to regenerate the program material for each ofthe channels.

[0031]FIG. 3B is a diagram of a data packet. Each data packet (e.g.302-316) is 147 bytes long, and comprises a number of packet segments.The first packet segment 320 comprises two bytes of informationcontaining the SCID and flags. The SCID is a unique 12-bit number thatuniquely identifies the data packet's data channel. The flags include 4bits that are used to control whether the packet is encrypted, and whatkey must be used to decrypt the packet. The second packet segment 322 ismade up of a 4-bit packet type indicator and a 4-bit continuity counter.The packet type identifies the packet as one of the four data types(video, audio, data, or null). When combined with the SCID, the packettype determines how the data packet will be used. The continuity counterincrements once for each packet type and SCID. The next packet segment324 comprises 127 bytes of payload data, which is a portion of the videoprogram provided by a video program source. The final packet segment 326is data required to perform forward error correction.

Receiver/Set Top Box

[0032]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a set top box (STB) 400 (alsoalternatively referred to as a receiver 400). As described herein, STB400 may be an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD). Alternatively, the STB400 may not be integrated and may comprise a separate or non-integratedreceiver and decoder.

[0033] The STB 400 comprises an input module such as tuner/demodulator404 (or other mechanism or module capable of receiving input)communicatively coupled to an ODU 112 having one or more LNBs 402. TheLNB 402 converts the broadcast signals (e.g., the 12.2- to 12.7 GHzdownlink 118 signal) from the satellites 108 to a signal (e.g., a950-1450 MHz signal) utilized by the STB's 400 tuner/demodulator 404.The LNB 402 may provide either a dual or a single output. Thesingle-output LNB 402 may have one or more RF connectors, while the dualoutput LNB 402 may have two RF output connectors and can be used to feeda second tuner 404, a second STB 400 or some other form of distributionsystem.

[0034] The tuner/demodulator 404 isolates a single, digitally modulated24 MHz transponder, and converts the modulated data to a digital datastream. The digital data stream is then supplied to a forward errorcorrection (FEC) decoder 406. This allows the STB 400 to reassemble thedata transmitted by the uplink center 104 (which applied the forwarderror correction to the desired signal before transmission to thesubscriber receiving station 110) verifying that the correct data signalwas received and correcting errors, if any. The error-corrected data maybe fed from the FEC decoder module 406 to the transport module 408 viaan 8-bit parallel interface.

[0035] The transport module 408 performs many of the data processingfunctions performed by the STB 400. The transport module 408 processesdata received from the FEC decoder module 406 and provides the processeddata to the video MPEG decoder 414 and the audio MPEG decoder 416. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the transport module, videoMPEG decoder and audio MPEG decoder are all implemented on integratedcircuits. The transport module 408 also provides a passage forcommunications between the microcontroller 410 and the video and audioMPEG decoders 414, 416. The transport module also works with theconditional access module (CAM) 412 to determine whether the subscriberreceiving station 110 is permitted to access certain program material.Data from the transport module can also be supplied to externalcommunication module 426.

[0036] The CAM 412 functions in association with other elements todecode an encrypted signal from the transport module 408. The CAM 412may also be used for tracking and billing these services. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the CAM 412 is a smart card, havingcontacts cooperatively interacting with contacts in the STB 400 to passinformation. Accordingly, purchased programming outside of asubscriber's 122 subscription services and/or e-commerce purchaseinformation may be recorded in one or more slots on the smart card/CAM412. In order to implement the processing performed in the CAM 412, theSTB 400, and specifically the transport module 408 provides a clocksignal to the CAM 412.

[0037] Video data is processed by the MPEG video decoder 414. Using thevideo random access memory (RAM) 436, the MPEG video decoder 414 decodesthe compressed video data and sends it to an encoder or video processor415, which converts the digital video information received from thevideo MPEG module 414 into an output signal usable by a display or otheroutput device. By way of example, processor 415 may comprise an NTSC oran Advanced Television Systems ATSC encoder. In one embodiment of theinvention both S-Video and ordinary video (NTSC or ATSC) signals areprovided. Other outputs may also be utilized.

[0038] Audio data is likewise decoded by the MPEG audio decoder 416. Thedecoded audio data may then be sent to a digital to analog (D/A)converter 418. In one embodiment of the present invention, the D/Aconverter 418 is a dual D/A converter, one for the right and leftchannels. If desired, additional channels can be added for use insurround sound processing or secondary audio programs (SAPs). In oneembodiment of the invention, the dual D/A converter 418 itself separatesthe left and right channel information, as well as any additionalchannel information. Other audio formats such as DOLBY DIGITAL AC-3 maysimilarly be supported.

[0039] A description of the processes performed in the encoding anddecoding of video streams, particularly with respect to MPEG and JPEGencoding/decoding, can be found in Chapter 8 of “Digital TelevisionFundamentals,” by Michael Robin and Michel Poulin, McGraw-Hill, 1998,which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0040] The microcontroller 410 receives and processes command signalsfrom the remote control 424, a STB 400 keyboard interface, and/oranother input device. The microcontroller receives commands forperforming its operations from a processor programming memory, whichpermanently stores such instructions for performing such commands. Theprocessor programming memory may comprise a read only memory (ROM) 438,an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 422 or,similar memory device. The microcontroller 410 also controls the otherdigital devices of the STB 400 via address and data lines (denoted “A”and “D” respectively, in FIG. 4).

[0041] A communication module (such as modem 440, a cable modem, adigital subscriber line (DSL), a data paging circuit, or other mechanismor module capable of communicating or implementing a wired or wirelesspaging connectivity) may be utilized to connect to the Internet 120 or adata paging network. The communication module 440 calls or establishescommunication to the Internet 120 or a data paging network, through anInternet Service Provider (ISP) or data paging network provider andtransmits the customer's purchase information for billing purposes,and/or other information. The communication module 440 is controlled bythe microprocessor 410. The communication module 440 can output data toother I/O port types including standard parallel and serial computer I/Oports.

[0042] The present invention also comprises a local storage unit such asthe video storage device 432 for storing video and/or audio dataobtained from the transport module 408. Video storage device 432 can bea hard disk drive, a read/writable compact disc of DVD, a solid stateRAM, or any other storage medium. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the video storage device 432 is a hard disk drive withspecialized parallel read/write capability so that data may be read fromthe video storage device 432 and written to the device 432 at the sametime. To accomplish this feat, additional buffer memory accessible bythe video storage 432 or its controller may be used. Optionally, a videostorage processor 430 can be used to manage the storage and retrieval ofthe video data from the video storage device 432. The video storageprocessor 430 may also comprise memory for buffering data passing intoand out of the video storage device 432. Alternatively or in combinationwith the foregoing, a plurality of video storage devices 432 can beused. Also alternatively or in combination with the foregoing, themicrocontroller 410 can also perform the operations required to storeand or retrieve video and other data in the video storage device 432.

[0043] The video processing module 415 output can be directly suppliedas a video output to a presentation device such as a video, computermonitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), television, or other devicecapable of viewing the video output. In addition the video and/or audiooutputs can be supplied to an RF modulator 434 to produce an RF outputand/or vestigal side band (VSB) suitable as an input signal to aconventional television tuner. This allows the STB 400 to operate withtelevisions without a video input.

[0044] Each of the satellites 108 comprises a transponder, which acceptsprogram information from the uplink center 104, and relays thisinformation to the subscriber receiving station 110. Known multiplexingtechniques are used so that multiple channels can be provided to theuser. These multiplexing techniques include, by way of example, variousstatistical or other time domain multiplexing techniques andpolarization multiplexing. In one embodiment of the invention, a singletransponder operating at a single frequency band carries a plurality ofchannels identified by respective SCID.

[0045] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, STB400 leverages the extensive telecommunications infrastructure ofestablished ISPs, the Internet 120, or a data paging network to deliversubscriber 122 e-commerce and IPPV data to a pay-TV service providersuch as a DBS operator. Connectivity to the ISP or data paging networkmay be achieved through a local phone number provided by the ISP or datapaging network provider to the pay-TV service provider. In such anembodiment, the pay-TV service provider may deliver the local phonenumber by broadcasting the number from satellite 108 via link 118pursuant to a command generated by the conditional access (CA)system/module 412.

[0046] The phone number may eventually be received in the STB 400 basedon a subscriber's 122 zip code. As described above, the CAM 412 maycomprise a smart card with slots for storing information. The smart cardor CAM 412 uniquely identifies the STB 400 by an identification numberthat is stored in a card 412 slot. The smart card 412 identificationnumber, along with the IPPV and e-commerce purchase information, isreported to a pay-TV service provider and differentiates purchases madefrom specific STBs 400. If several STBs 400 reside within a subscriber's122 residence, each STB 400 must make a callback to deliver the purchaseinformation for the particular STB 400. The purchases from each of thesubscriber's 122 STBs 400 are identifiable by the uniqueness of thesmart card 412 identification number reported with the callback.

[0047] Purchases are delivered to the billing system from the Internet120 or data paging network server and thereafter may appear on asubscriber's 122 bill/statement. The purchase information is deliveredto the Internet 120 or data paging network server across the Internet120 or data paging network through a communication module 440 callbackexecuted by STB 400. A processor on the smart card 412 utilizes thecommunication module 440 to perform the callback using the local phonenumber. Callback may occur in a variety of manners including: (1)Opportunistic Callback; and/or (2) STB 400 Initiated Callback.

[0048]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating callback in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention. At step 502, a determination ismade regarding whether an existing Internet or data paging networkconnection is present or if a mandatory callback time has been exceeded.In an embodiment implementing an opportunistic callback, STB 400utilizes an existing Internet 120 or data paging network connection of asubscriber 122. In such an embodiment, the subscriber 122 may access theInternet 120 or data paging network through the STB 400 by initiating anInternet 120 or data paging network connection at step 504.Alternatively, in an STB 400 initiated callback, the STB 400 initiatesand utilizes a new Internet 120 or data paging network connection. Sucha new connection may be established when a subscriber 122 does notinitiate an Internet 120 or data paging network connection within aspecified time period (referred to as a mandatory callback time period).Alternatively, with an STB 400 initiated callback, a mandatory callbacktime period may not be utilized. Instead, for example, an STB 400 maynot initiate a callback until a credit limit or slot usage threshold hasbeen exceeded, and/or until information is actually stored in smart cart412.

[0049] The Internet 120 or data paging network connection may beestablished using the communication module 440 to call a local phonenumber for an ISP or data paging network provider. As described above,the local phone number may be obtained from the STB 400 (as transmittedfrom the ISP or data paging network provider to the pay-TV serviceprovider, broadcast, and received in STB 400) based on the zip code ofthe subscriber 122. Alternatively, any method or type of communicationmodule 440 maybe utilized to connect the STB 400 to the Internet 120 ordata paging network.

[0050] Under either an opportunistic callback or STB 400 initiatedcallback, a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP)Internet 120 or data paging network connection is established at step504. With an opportunistic callback, the TCP/IP Internet 120 or datapaging network connection is initiated by the subscriber 120 to accessthe Internet 120 the data paging network. With a STB 400 initiatedcallback, the TCP/IP Internet 120 or data paging network connection isinitiated by the STB 400 to deliver the purchase information.

[0051] At step 506, a determination is made as to whether or notpurchase information is present in smart card 412. If purchaseinformation is present, a new TCP/IP Internet 120 or data paging networkconnection (e.g., through the ISP) may be established at step 508 if anexisting Internet 120 or data paging network connection is beingutilized. This new connection is made in addition to any otherconnections the subscriber 122 presently has for other Internet 120 ordata paging network uses. This additional TCP/IP Internet 120 or datapaging network connection likely has no affect on traffic beingsent/received by the subscriber 122 other than occupying a smallfraction of the bandwidth to send the purchase information and receiverenewal notices (e.g., purchase information may only contain tens ofbytes per purchased transaction). Accordingly, a subscriber's 122 normalInternet 120 or data paging network connection is utilized and insteadof the STB 400 initiating the Internet 120 or data paging networkconnection, the Internet 120 or data paging network connection isinitiated by the subscriber's 122 own action. Further, with anopportunistic callback, the transfer of purchase information (callback)may be triggered through parameters configured within the STB 400 thatspecify a new TCP/IP Internet 120 or data paging network connection isto be made when the smart card 412 has purchase information and apreexisting Internet 120 or data paging network connection is present.

[0052] With a STB 400 initiated callback, step 508 may not be performedsince it may have already been performed at step 504 for the explicituse by STB 400 for a callback using the ISP or data paging networkprovider connection.

[0053] At step 510, a secure Internet 120 or data paging networkconnection (e.g., provided by the secure socket layer (SSL) protocol) isestablished between the STB 400 and an Internet 120 or data pagingnetwork server (e.g., of control center 120 or the pay-TV serviceprovider) to ensure the integrity of the purchase information duringtransfer. Accordingly, after an Internet 120 or data paging networkconnection is established, the STB 400 may set up a secure socket to thepay-TV service provider's Internet 120 or data paging network serverusing the SSL protocol. The data may be encrypted to protect itscontents and may be digitally signed to protect its integrity prior totransfer. SSL and a digital signature (that may utilize a proprietaryalgorithm that is computationally infeasible to break) may be utilizedto provide sufficient strength for preventing false reporting orpremature call termination. Alternatively, other methods that preventfalse reporting or premature call termination may be utilized.

[0054] Events not currently stored in smart card 412 (e.g., unreportedevents) are reported through the system at the next callbackopportunity, which may be either opportunistic or STB 400 initiated, forexample.

[0055] Upon successful reporting of the e-commerce and IPPV events tothe pay-TV service provider, the STB 400 (or the conditional accesssystem of the STB 400) may mark the reported slots in the conditionalaccess module (CAM) 412 (e.g., a smart card) as free using theinteractive ISP or data paging network provider connection. This allowsa subscriber 122 to immediately purchase additional goods from the STB400, rather than initiating a costly toll free number callback. Operatorfacility data such as subscriber renewal notices, that are typicallybroadcast 118 monthly, may also be transmitted over the ISP or datapaging network provider connection. Sending renewal notices over an ISPor data paging network provider connection saves satellite 108 bandwidththat may be made available for other broadcast information.

[0056] Additionally, upon successfully reporting all events, theconditional access system/module 412 may advance/change the mandatorycallback date in the STB 400. Data from the pay-TV service provider canalso be sent over the ISP or data paging network connection therebysaving satellite 108 bandwidth.

Conclusion

[0057] This concludes the description of the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention. In summary, the present invention describes amethod, apparatus, and article of manufacture for delivering purchaseinformation. A callback method, utilizes the telecommunicationsinfrastructure of an ISP or data paging network provider and theInternet 120 or data paging network to deliver purchase informationstored in an STB 400 to an Internet 120 or data paging network server.The Internet 120 or data paging network server may then forward thepurchase information to the billing system where it may be processed andincorporated into a subscriber's 122 bill.

[0058] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of theinvention has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intendedthat the scope of the invention be limited not by this detaileddescription, but rather by the claims appended hereto. The abovespecification, examples and data provide a complete description of themanufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of delivering purchase informationcomprising: storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in aset top box, wherein the set top box is configured to: receive broadcastsignals through a tuner; and enable a presentation device connected tothe set top box to display the broadcast signals; automaticallyobtaining a connection to the Internet using a communication module ofthe set top box without the user requesting the connection, wherein thecommunication module is different than the tuner; establishing a secureelectronic connection with a server through the connection to theInternet; and transmitting the purchase information from the set top boxthrough the secure electronic connection to the server.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the purchase information relates to a pay per viewprogram.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the purchase informationrelates to an electronic commerce transaction.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the presentation device is a television.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the purchase information is stored in arenewable security module.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theautomatically obtaining a connection comprises: receiving a local phonenumber in the set top box; automatically dialing the local phone number,without a user requesting a connection, using the communication module,wherein the communication module is a modem; and establishing aconnection to the Internet through a computer that answers the dialedlocal phone number.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the local phonenumber is associated with an Internet service provider.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the automatically obtaining a connection comprises:determining if an Internet connection is currently established; if anInternet connection is currently established, automatically obtaining anew transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connectionthrough the communication module using the established Internetconnection.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the secure electronicconnection utilizes a secure socket layer (SSL) protocol.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein the server is a broadcast satellite operator'sInternet server.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising receivingadditional information in the set top box through the secure electronicconnection.
 13. A method of delivering purchase information comprising:storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box,wherein the set top box is configured to: receive broadcast signalsthrough a tuner; and enable a presentation device connected to the settop box to display the broadcast signals; automatically obtaining aconnection to a data paging network using a communication module of theset top box without the user requesting the connection, wherein thecommunication module is different than the tuner; establishing a secureelectronic connection with a server through the connection to the datapaging network; and transmitting the purchase information from the settop box through the secure electronic connection to the server.
 14. Asystem for delivering purchase information comprising: purchaseinformation for a purchase of a user; a set top box configured to:receive broadcast signals through a tuner; enable a presentation deviceto display the broadcast signals; store the purchase information;automatically obtain a connection to the Internet using a communicationmodule of the set top box without the user requesting the connection,wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; establisha secure electronic connection with a server through the connection tothe Internet; and transmit the purchase information from the set top boxthrough the secure electronic connection to the server.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein the purchase information relates to a pay per viewprogram.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the purchase informationrelates to an electronic commerce transaction.
 17. The system of claim14, wherein the presentation device is a television.
 18. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card.19. The system of claim 14, wherein the purchase information is storedin a renewable security module.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein theset top box is configured to automatically obtain a connection by:receiving a local phone number in the set top box; automatically dialingthe local phone number, without a user requesting a connection, usingthe communication module, wherein the communication module is a modem;and establishing a connection to the Internet through a computer thatanswers the dialed local phone number.
 21. The system of claim 20,wherein the local phone number is associated with an Internet serviceprovider.
 22. The system of claim 14, wherein the set top box isconfigured to automatically obtain a connection by: determining if anInternet connection is currently established; if the Internet connectionis currently established, automatically obtaining a new transmissioncontrol protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection through thecommunication module using the established Internet connection.
 23. Thesystem of claim 22, wherein the secure electronic connection utilizes asecure socket layer (SSL) protocol.
 24. The system of claim 14, whereinthe server is a broadcast satellite operator's Internet server.
 25. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the set top box is further configured toreceive additional information through the secure electronic connection.26. A system for delivering purchase information comprising: purchaseinformation for a purchase of a user; a set top box configured to:receive broadcast signals through a tuner; enable a presentation deviceto display the broadcast signals; store the purchase information;automatically obtain a connection to a data paging network using acommunication module of the set top box without the user requesting theconnection, wherein the communication module is different than thetuner; establish a secure electronic connection with a server throughthe connection to the data paging network; and transmit the purchaseinformation from the set top box through the secure electronicconnection to the server.
 27. An article of manufacture for deliveringpurchase information comprising: means for a set top box connectable toa presentation device to receive broadcast signals through a tuner;means for the set top box to enable the presentation device to displaythe broadcast signals; means for the set top box to store purchaseinformation for a purchase of a user; means for the set top box toautomatically obtain a connection to the Internet using a communicationmodule of the set top box without the user requesting the connection,wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; means forthe set top box to establish a secure electronic connection with aserver through the connection to the Internet; and means for the set topbox to transmit the purchase information from the set top box throughthe secure electronic connection to the server.
 28. The article ofmanufacture of claim 27, wherein the purchase information relates to apay per view program.
 29. The article of manufacture of claim 27,wherein the purchase information relates to an electronic commercetransaction.
 30. The article of manufacture of claim 27, wherein thepresentation device is a television.
 31. The article of manufacture ofclaim 27, wherein the purchase information is stored in a smart card.32. The article of manufacture of claim 27, wherein the purchaseinformation is stored in a renewable security module.
 33. The article ofmanufacture of claim 27, wherein the means for automatically obtaining aconnection comprises: means for the set top box to receive a local phonenumber in the set top box; means for the set top box to automaticallydial the local phone number, without a user requesting a connection,using the communication module, wherein the communication module is amodem; and means for the set top box to establish a connection to theInternet through a computer that answers the dialed local phone number.34. The article of manufacture of claim 33, wherein the local phonenumber is associated with an Internet service provider.
 35. The articleof manufacture of claim 27, wherein the means for the set top box toautomatically obtain a connection comprises: means for the set top boxto determine if an Internet connection is currently established; meansfor the set top box to automatically obtain a new transmission controlprotocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection through the communicationmodule using the established Internet connection if an Internetconnection is currently established.
 36. The article of manufacture ofclaim 35, wherein the secure electronic connection utilizes a securesocket layer (SSL) protocol.
 37. The article of manufacture of claim 27,wherein the server is a broadcast satellite operator's Internet server.38. The article of manufacture of claim 27, further comprising means forreceiving additional information through the secure electronicconnection.
 39. An article of manufacture for delivering purchaseinformation comprising: means for a set top box connectable to apresentation device to receive broadcast signals through a tuner; meansfor the set top box to enable the presentation device to display thebroadcast signals; means for the set top box to store purchaseinformation for a purchase of a user; means for the set top box toautomatically obtain a connection to a data paging network using acommunication module of the set top box without the user requesting theconnection, wherein the communication module is different than thetuner; means for the set top box to establish a secure electronicconnection with a server through the connection to the data pagingnetwork; and means for the set top box to transmit the purchaseinformation from the set top box through the secure electronicconnection to the server.